They are loyal, friendly, and always there when we need perking up, making dogs one of the most loved and popular pets around the world.

Being a dog owner is a very rewarding experience, but it also takes a lot of work and comes with a lot of responsibility.

Many dog owners will tell you the bond between the animal and the human among one of the strongest you'll encounter – but it is also important for potential new dog owners, and current ones too, to be aware of the laws which will affect them.

Dog walkers in Redland Green

Here, we look at the rules and regulations which dog owners should always be aware of, as reported in the Liverpool Echo.

Keeping your dog or dogs under control

According to the Government's website, it's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as in a public place; in a private place such as a neighbour’s house or garden; or in the owner’s home.

This applies to all dogs and the animal will be considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them.

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A court could also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if it attacks someone’s animal or if the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal.

The website states that a farmer is allowed to kill your dog if it's worrying their livestock.

Penalties:

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months, or both, if your dog is dangerously out of control. You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed.

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Being aware of Public Spaces Protection Orders

Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These were previously called Dog Control Orders. PSPOs only apply to public land.

In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to: keep your dog on a lead; put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council; stop your dog going to certain places - like farmland or parts of a park; limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too); and clear up after your dog.

Local councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place. So, for example, if dogs aren’t allowed in a park, there must be signs saying so.

The rules on banned dogs

Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name. So, for example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type.

If you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it isn’t acting dangerously or there hasn’t been a complaint.

The police may need permission from a court to do this. If your dog is in a public place, the police don’t need a warrant; if it is in a private place, the police must get a warrant; and, if it is in a private place and the police have a warrant for something else (like a drugs search), they can seize your dog.

A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog you have and whether it is (or could be) a danger to the public. Your dog will then either be released or kept in kennels while the police (or council) apply to a court. You’re not allowed to visit your dog while you wait for the court decision.

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You can give up ownership of your dog but you can’t be forced to. If you do, your dog could be destroyed without you even going to court.

In court, it's your responsibility to prove your dog is not a banned type. If you prove this, the court will order the dog to be returned to you. If you can't prove it (or you plead guilty), you'll be convicted of a crime. You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months, or both, for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed.

If your dog is banned but the court thinks it’s not a danger to the public, it may put it on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) and let you keep it.